Intense's 2018 Carbine - First Look

Intense clearly hasn't been taking a breather since shifting their focus to new carbon frames, with the 2018 Carbine shown below being yet another new addition to their ever-growing catalog. The fresh Carbine is all-new front to back, and the 155mm-travel, 29'' wheeled machine has been designed for all-mountain riding and enduro racing, a category of bikes that seems to be getting more and more competitive each and every day. The press release details from Intense are below, but the gist is that it features revised geometry, an updated leverage curve compared to the previous iteration, and a single travel setting via the 'JS Trail' dual-link suspension layout.

Intense is offering the Carbine in five variations, starting at $3,999 USD for the 'Foundation Build' model that's assembled around the standard frame with an aluminum link. At the top of the hill is the $10,399 USD 'Factory Build' that sports a 12-speed Eagle drivetrain and a Lyrik RCT3 fork bolted to the lightweight SL frame that includes a carbon link. And, in a first for Intense, the new bike will be available as a frame-only option in two flavors: the $3,399 USD SL model that weighs less thanks to a revised carbon layup and carbon link, and the less expensive standard frame that goes for $3,099 USD that has an aluminum link.

A lot is expected of a contemporary all-mountain bike these days because riders are doing a lot with them. Some people buy bikes in the this category for all around use on terrain that's no overly demanding, while others are looking at this travel bracket for an all-out enduro race bike. You'll be able to read a review of where and how the new Carbine performs on that spectrum soon, but for now you can find all the details and photos from the press release below, as well as first impressions from RC's time on the Carbine in Sedona, Arizona. - Mike Levy

Carbine Details

The Carbine Factory retails for $10,399 USD. Not much room to upgrade with this one, then.

At $7,999 USD, the Elite model sits one step down from the top.

Next up in the catalog is the Pro, which retails for $6,999 USD.

The Expert sells for $4,999 USD.

It starts with the $3,999 USD Foundation build.

RC's First Impressions

I rode the new 29-inch-wheel Carbine this Spring at the Sedona, Arizona, launch. It was the top-drawer Factory build based around a 12-speed SRAM XX1 Eagle component group, and I was happy to be on a 29er – that was a given. Sedona is a perfect match for big wheels because, without them, there is less hope of maintaining momentum over the endless chatter of slick rock and rubble that makes up the trail network there. What I was more curious about, was how the Carbine’s new Cero-Design rear suspension was going to climb, and if its longer, slacker chassis would mesh happily with the fast-break grade changes and do-or-die decision making that I would face on Sedona’s tougher lines.

Fearing a repeat performance of the 2017 Tracer 275’s sullen climbing feel (its Cero-designed suspension kinematics ripped the downs, but resisted strong climbing efforts) I immediately put the new Carbine to work on back-to-back climbs. The first - a relatively smooth, fast-paced leg sapper, punctuated by short, technical steeps - was a lot more pleasant than I had imagined. You’ll want to engage the climb switch to keep the pedals feeling fresh, but it rolls uphill in an encouraging manner. I also found that the Carbine’s longer front center and stretched wheelbase kept the chassis from dropping into holes and getting hung up on ledges.

Climb number two was tighter and doubled down on the technical side of the gauge. Steering felt a bit slow, but not heavy at the handlebar, and I had trouble guiding the long-feeling chassis up, around, and over stepped corners, or anything that required precise steering in tight quarters. The tradeoff for its nerdy manners in the tight stuff, however, was how easily the Carbine leaped and clawed its way up big, vertical step-ups (which are a Sedona signature move). I rolled up a handful of boulders that had been my undoing on a number of different makes.

Climb all you want, the real reason that the Carbine was redesigned was to give it the strength and the resolve to tackle meaty downs. In that capacity, the 2017 Carbine made Sedona’s step-downs, vertical rock rolls, and Hail Mary gravity lines seem like they were a lot bigger last year. Evidently, the Carbine’s designers have been swept up by Enduro racing’s influence. That’s the word that kept popping into my head as I explored tougher lines on once familiar trails.

Since the Carbine was first launched, Intense has struggled to define its existence. The previous Carbines were too dainty to play rough, but a little too dull to dance at cross-country trailbike clubs. This one has the muscles to handle technical descents, and just enough pep to maintain pace everywhere else. If you are searching for the old Carbine, but with a more aggressive chassis and an appetite for technical climbs, Intense’s Primer is the better option. If you are a downhill-dominant fancier of enduro, you should enjoy the new Carbine - RC

I'd like to see pinkbike do some "project bike" type articles. Longer-term reads where an older frame is put together with old stuff laying around, or even do a build project out of their own but and sell ads. Something similar to what my kid brother and I watched 15 years ago on the old powerblock Saturday mornings. New tech is great, but an article that says a few year old tech is still pretty good let's see what we can do with it would be really interesting to read.

I can have an overpriced bike if it looks like 2012 Intense... first paintjob looks like NS bikes, second looks like YT, the orange one is edible, black/white - Ironhorse 2009? JS Enduro link - ask Giants warranty service about that solution. I miss old Intense. It's sad that carbang is considered as the only luxurious material these days.

Hey Intense how about making bikes from Titanium? All I mean is, Intense bikes don't look as desirable as they used to a few years back. They look like just another brand. What makes them better than Radon? These days, nothing. Intense used to be what UNNO, Geometron/Nicolai or Antidote are today.

@Lagr1980: But it is perfect for the southern california TLD pajama wearin' crowd. That's appropriate for where about 80% of these will be sold. I can only imagine group rides look like clowns exiting the big top.

I want to see some hand built steel frame reviews like the Swarf. Those steel frame fullys coming out of the UK give me a hard on. These carbon super bikes are a turn off IMO. Steel is bringing Sexy Back.

@Boardlife69: I second that. Jeez, even some hardtail review would be better than these "plastic fantastic" bikes. Give me a good steel HT any day over these carbon superbikes - at least they got soul.

@Elspecialized: yea, we get amazing bikes these days already from 3k level. But I can get that some people want something special even if the difference is purely "emotional" However it seems that you no longer get that with Intense.

@VwHarman: Good idea, I'd like a Top Gear style article where each editor is given a small, but reasonable, amount of money to buy second hand bikes, upgrade them, and then participate in a race or multi-day epic ride with those bikes. Write a story about the adventure. That would be awesome.

@RRMonster: I've seen enough super bikes with my own eyes. It's just as meh as it gets, given the legacy of the company: M3, M6, 6.6, 951, Uzzi VPX, Socom, Tracer - You came to a race or to a bike park, and there was this red M6 and it was just turning people heads and dropping jaws. You just couldn't miss that bike. A guy I know popped up on a group ride recently with red Tracer from 2012. You just salivate looking at it. Old bike 26" wheels and you just get yourself wet looking at it. Like looking at a finest race car, like a McLaren MP4. it all went wrong after they were forced to get carbon. Cannot blame them, But those paintjobs suck as hell.

@romdog: Hell yes. Pink bike editors do a trio or so of bike events/races where they have a fixed equipment budget, and have to report back. Diverse events (varying in duration, intensity, and level of seriousness ideally), multimedia updates from each, and a final wrap up would be totally brilliant. Given how varied the tastes of the editorial staff is, should be some really cool stuff that could come out of that

@VwHarman: yeah man, its interesting for sure. I've got a 2013 Nukeproof Scalp, and everyone knows its a tank, but it sure can go some. In the last year or so Ive gone full Saint drivetrain and brakes, as well as banging a charger damper in the fork and running a spanking new Rockshox Vivid r2C ( with offset bushings). Wheels are Hope techDH on Pro4's....and I wonder how it would compare to a 2017 DH bike Head2Head in terms of actual performance.

The paintjob on these new bikes is absolutely hideous!It´s not even nice in a weird funny way, it´s just horrible, I mean look at those fork stickers! The new tracer too is just let down by the paint job. The old paintjobs were amazing.

@cunning-linguist: Riverside is a city in an area of Southern California called the Inland Empire that is stereotyped as where rednecks reside. Temecula, where Intense is from, is in that area as well. Troy Lee Designs is from that area too. And you've seen TLD graphics, yes?

Ok, Sociology class is over. Time for me to duck before I get shot by Trump's supporters.

I'd like a Top Gear style article where each editor is given a small, but reasonable, amount of money to buy second hand bikes, upgrade them, and then participate in a race or multi-day epic ride with those bikes. Write a story about the adventure. That would be awesome.

Can't +1 this enough. Do multiple events, spanning race, multi day epic, down to beerduro or other low seriousness riding. It would make for wealth of multimedia, and give the editors a chance to actually connect with the audience in a new way.

@gnralized: Except you keep those a long while, can be deducted from taxes, and they also hold more value than the average bike. Then again cars aren't changing widths, motors, and wheels sizes every quarter......

@downhillnews: I was just kidding, Is your comment ironical?1.www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/average-length-of-us-vehicle-ownership-hit-an-all_time-high/2000007854So 72 month (6 year) for a brand new car, 49 for a used, leasing is 3 years.Most of people around me kept their bikes between 4 and 6 years.2. A new car loose half of its value the first year, so it's pretty equivalent with bikes3.Changing width, motors, wheels size... for my car, three mags size are available, 3 motors, 3 body types... And once you chose once, you cannot change it, which is not the case for mtb tires, suspensions, components, transmissions, etc...

On a serious note, I am seriously disappointed with the geometry. It seems Intense have deviated away from increasing the reach AND keeping the ett reasonable by having a nice steep actual seat sube.
Not only does a steeper actual seat tube benefit riders with their height in their legs, but it means designers can increase reach without making thr eTT too long.
Plus not having your ass over the cassette is way better for climbing
The Large has a massive eTT but its a shorter wheelbase than most XLs in this class.
Personally speaking the only bikes in this class which 'work' for long legged rider are the mega 290 and the enduro 2017
Wreckoning, Slash, Carbine and soon to be announced Hightower LT have all gone slack seated on our asses.
If this had been a long travel Primer it would have been a winner!

Right. They make a decent length chainstays, then screw up seat tube angle and reach numbers. I guess they were scared of passing that 1255mm wheelbase red line. Slash, Evil and Santa Cruz STA's are ridiculously slack for decent climbing (in XL that is).

With such a long front centre, this bike would have benefitted from 17" chainstays like the wreckoning and enduro. The old carbine's 17.75" chainstay really helped the stability due to the fairly short front centre. This front centre is massive in comparison so the 17" CS would have really helped the manouverability through the twisties.

I know they are not as cool, but it seems the Big S and Wreckoning (if you forgive the seat angle) have nailed this catogories geo....

@raditude: I just built up a large Pole 140 and am so happy. At 6'4" I have always struggled to find bikes that fit but not anymore. The new XXL Hightower has similiar reach numbers I believe. For me, I'll never buy a bike shorter than a 510mm reach now. I hope other manufacturers get the balls to do the same in the coming years.

@raditude: I get Nicolai exclusive, made to order in Germany (with some beautiful machining work), thing, but Pole is just using one of those same manufacturing companies in Asia that Radon, Commencal etc. are using and they are charging like their bikes are actually made in Finland. Yes, to be fair, they are still a small volume company, and their bargaining position is weak, but Pole philosophy will simply never catch on while they are charging this much for Asian made aluminum frames of experimental geometry that people are very skeptical of. It just doesn't have the same level of exclusivity as Nicolai does to charge such a hefty premium. But I guess carbon Pole can't be too far off anyways.

UNNO is also justifying its exorbitant pricing by Handmade in Europe/Spain (or Catalonia?) using best materials, technologies and whatnot. But seriously, I don't think that the latest Scott Genius is made using much inferior process or number of carbon pieces glued and baked together.

Of these exclusive companies I like Robot Bike the most, technology wise that is. But, those guys are hardly pushing any innovation in bike design (geometry, kinematics, drivetrain) whatsoever and they have THE rapid prototyping technology right there at their fingertips, no carbon mould manufacturing costs and lead time. Even aluminum prototypes seem harder to make.

@jollyXroger: I agree with the cost of the Pole being steep, It was a tough pill to swallow. That being said I am more than impressed with the build quality of the bike. Not only can you run 142 or 148 boost but it came with a headset AND a zillion little clips and things for internal or external routing. It's a very well thought out bike. I was looking at the Geometron as well but the lack of rear axle options put me off as well as the even higher cost. As a machinist the Geo really got my attention but at the end of the day I'm happy with my purchase. Future proof and exceptional quality trumps cheap carbon every time.

@Tmackstab: Can you share an honest opinion regarding pros, cons? I'm 6'3" and looking for a new bike in a foreseeable future. Pole is on my radar, but as you yourself know, it's a hard pill to swallow.

@jollyXroger: For sure. I've only had it for about a month so not a huge in depth analysis yet. So far though here are the cons:-need a rear fender as the shock is exposed to rock strikes off the tire-Size L with Fox 36 and aluminum build weighed in at 33 pounds. (Not unreasonable for a bike this size IMO but not a 27 pound carbon machine either)-long wheelbase makes tight moves difficult-pricePros:-tons of room to move around while standing/descending-super stable at speed and pedals exceptionally well while hammering-steep seat angle looks goofy but works awesome while climbing seated, also getting the seat out of the way while descending.-as stated before the build quality is exceptional.-future proof with rear axle standards.

@fartymarty: His was the one that caught my attention yeah. I then read more reviews from mtbr etc and made the decision. I liked how he took a pic of himself from the side standing and sitting on it. I'm 6'4" as I said before so seeing that helped with my decision %100. Pole better give me a deal on the next frame I buy from all the questions I've been amswering for people haha! The curiosity out on the trails has been staggering to say the least.

@Tmackstab: Isn't the Hightower just a 650b frame with a redesigned rear triangle slapped on it? From what I can see, Intense has done a pretty nice job creating a completely fresh design and not recycling some old tech to save money.

@shorerider54: I dont think so. A few of my friends have the Hightower and others the Nomad and 5010. The Hightower is different %100. SC just released the XXL model so it is a fresh frame for sure. I'm not slagging the intense whatsoever, I'm just pointing out that taller guys such as myself will appreciate a reach over 500mm when they get the chance to actually try it.

@Tmackstab: The Seb Stott review on Bike Radar sold me on them. 510mm reach isn't massive these days. I'm 6'1" and would go with 510mm when getting a new bike. Maybe you need to have a word with the quys at Pole. I am sure they are reasonable chaps.

@fartymarty: The cons in that review surprise me regarding the BB height. I've clipped a few things while pedalling that I normally don't leading me to believe it's on the lower side of things. I guess it all comes down to rider setup.

@jollyXroger: Yes agee if the wreck had been slightly steeper ASA, and or a better climber it would win. The enduro eTT relative to seat tube is definely a bit short, but not compared to reach. If you have long legs best to size up on enduro - but if long torso, you're scuppered!!

Oh Intense, I love you so (been on an Intense of some kind for the last 8 years), but your new colour ways are garrish, like a dressed up drunken redneck out on the town in Las Vegas, so disturbing..............

RC not feeling the new Intense at all. I would say his review of the new Tracer was pretty far off the mark compared to my experience, and I hope the Carbine rides similarly. Vital was way more positive about this bike than RC. The geo doesn't look quite as dialed as the Tracer, but I'll reserve judgment until I get to ride it. If it's got the same special sauce as the Tracer in the suspension department, it'll do well.

Honestly, the foundation build is more than enough - in the sense that it does the job more than well (ok, the brakes could be replaced). But yes, I would have to agree with @Theeeeo that we have "seem em all". It's a bit hard to get surprised nowadays with all these monsters around. I, personally, found the new Orbeas sexier.

A $5,000 bike that has GX and a Yari? I don't think so. I don't mind paying for a quality bike, but to get prices like this, I'll look elsewhere for a bike with a better paintjob and just as much capability.

Another 2018 bike unveil that doesn't say whether or not the bike can also run 27.5+ tires. Wonder if the whole 29 / 27.5+ cross compatible thing was a flash in the pan. I still see very few 27.5+ bikes on the trail despite all the hype

Bike designers gotta chill out with the color use. On and off the bikes. Trailheads started to look like Brazilian carnivals. Sure visibly is important here and there, but this is getting way out of hand.

For what it is worth- I have 150 miles on a 2018 Intense Carbine- Elite Build. I live in Grand Junction CO. and have ridden it mostly at the Lunch Loop trail system. I understand mine is just one opinion in a sea of many, but... I would encourage anyone who is interested and able to demo a Carbine- I have ridden it up every trail that I would ride my XC bike up and have to say, for a six inch travel bike that was designed to take on aggressive descents, this bike has been amazing for the local terrain. I have PR'd the Ribbon, Free-Lunch, Pucker-UP, Moto, Gunny Loop... Here is a link to my STRAVA account in case anyone wants to check out the area, etc.. www.strava.com/athletes/223522No bike will ever make everyone happy, folks will be polarized by certain geometry numbers and color schemes...Fortunately we are in an age where there are so many great MTBs! At nearly 6'2" I chose the LG and am running 30%sag in the rear shock and 25% or so in the Lyrik up front... the bike cleans the chunky climbs to get to the DH goods, and delivers on providing the rider to do so in an aggressive fashion, and the bike certainly does come alive at speed! The high BB should be taken with a grain of salt when factoring in suspension sag and the need for the pedals to clear rocks as the rider stands and powers down the trail- very few pedal strikes and most of those are operator-error. I have done long sustained climbs with little difficulty- (17 miles of climbing to the start of the Whole Uncolada Trail near Montrose with a sweet 20 mile descent as a reward). The only weakness I have found are the DHRII's as I have torn 3 of these (one front two rear) and based on the nature of the tears I will chalk that up to the rocky chunder we have here in Western Colorado. I have placed a DHF 2.5 on the front without issues and have been rewarded with a great steering and fast rolling front tire. I will be mounting up an Agressor 2.3 DD after work and hopefully it will not only keep the torn tire syndrome at bay but roll a bit faster on our local trails as well. I loved the braking traction and overall feel of the DHRII's and if I lived somewhere loamy I would keep that as my rear tire! I am having a blast on the Carbine and that is what should matter, right? P.S. I know the color scheme looks jarring to some in photos, but in person, I can't get enough of the red, blue and gold! And I am by no means a "loud color loving" bike guy... I am however, the kind of guy who wants a durable bike to withstand the rigors of my local trail system and the brutal terrain it contains, and not to age myself, but I was around (and riding Lunch Loop, Kokopelli, 18 Road, CB, etc..) back when the first Rock Shox came out and 26" was the only option and hard-tails were so much better than the gangly first attempts at full suspension, cassette tapes were still more popular than CD's... you get the idea... and this Carbine, it allows me to ride the local trails in ways I never have before!

I have the new carbine and it's sic. I had the previous one (which I bought used so I could have some parts for the new carbine) The original I had was a large but the new I have a medium because the bike came longer. I run a fifty mil thomson stem which I wish I could run shorter but it's working out great. Anyway this review is way off from what this bike really is. I've had a lot of fully's and this one jumps, corners, climbs, steeps and straight lines pretty awesome.

I'm sure I'll get downvoted, but this thing got crushed by Orbea, especially in the looks dept. I'm also not a fan of the seattube- looks like they took their old one and just sawed it off at the bottom. I'm sure there will be a few of these on the back of RRovers in So Cal soon enough.

I think it silly to judge bikes based on how they are "same old Intense" etc. constant change just to look cooler might be counter effective. These babies are f*ckin expensive. Even the "foundation". Maybe company's should work on getting bike prices down so people can buy new bikes more often... well us folk that don't drive le Audi's.

Wow that top tube is massive. On the large 655mm is 2 inches bigger that a few years ago i would have to ride a medium or i woudl not be able to manual (sorry not as talented as a lot of you guys) . The seat angle is so slack with the seat post up i woudl be chewing my hamstrings up. Shame as i test rode the tracer 275 and it was pretty dam good. this seem a little too far out for me but i guess i cant really comments until its tested or i get to ride one. Oh and dont start me on the colors.

I need to wash out my rods and cones in my retinas. That was unasked for optical assault. Send me one of the next best things in the universe. Ill do my own unbiased review.....right after I take a can of spray paint to it..... Stay off the LSD paint guys!

Do you think you were hard enough on the previous model? 160\140 and its DAINTY? barley allowed to justify its existance? you've never ridden it clearly, a friend has it, its very snappy and stiff, he rides the steepest of the steep and does big drops on it, the formula for a snappy 29. Lower longer slacker, slap Eagle on it and a 10k price tag, what else is new.

10,399 dollars for the top model and no kashima on the transfer dropper......for only 50 dollars (ish) more you would like to think they could throw that in. I mean it cant be because of the colour what with the chain and cassette being gold.

Up here in Ottawa Canada, local MEC shop carries Intense.According to my buddy employee they've sold 4 MTBs so far this season !Population is > 1 million people with steady high tech and silly servant employment (and lots of dentists to take advantage of the dental plans).Bikes are discounted at season end so that's when the sales happen he said.

the enduro lower link is ridiculous foolish. The colors are strange. The Intense bikes are way over priced! The frame guarantee is practically nonexistent: just a couple of year. And 100% made in China! Oh and customer service is ridiculously bad.

VPP is so over hyped. I think when Intense went with vpp it was step I'm the wrong direction compared to the four bar link bikes they had. For Santa Cruz a step up from single pivot bikes. Intense needs to get back to for bar link days to have a bike that will really go downhill properly.

@nickkk: and unlike Highroller, the lean over is smooth while letting go is predictable. Highrollers always felt to me like a knife edge - weird feeling while leaning it, then a thin area of ridiculous amounts of grip, and then... sudden death!

Oh and there's plenty of folks running DHR2 on front. Actualy it makes sense to run DHR2 up front and DHF on the back since DHF rolls quite well for a knobby DH tyre.

@WAKIdesigns: yeah that seems to be the takeaway from most ppl trying it too. I've never really found the limits of the HR truth be told but I was quite surprised when trying the DHR2 out of curiosity- it's now a firm fave on the front for me. Good in a variety of conditions too I've found.

@nickkk: yes this is what Highroller and HR2 do, they really corner god damn well, they bit the ground to the absolute end, but then they just let go. Minions DHF and Magic Marys, especially in softest compounds, let you know that you are on the edge and when they let go, there is still some room for correction. It almost feels like they as they want to be put on that edge at all times. HR on the other hand, just disappears from under you, BAM! I found the edge a few times and it hurted a lot. And then it sucks for techy climbing as the knobs are ramped they don't hook on rock edges or roots. Also HR has a rather poor durability, the tops of ramped knobs disappear quickly.

It brakes so well, and makes use of the Minion shoulder knobs. Doesn't quite have the same lateral grip limits as the DHF, or predictability when in transition, plus rolls a touch slower, but that's it.
As a dry weather front tire complement to a Minion SS rear tire - It's brilliant. The braking traction lost with the short tread blocks out back is made up for out front, cornering limits and rolling resistance for dry weather are dialed.

I was assured that Intense had made some changes in their Customer Service department since I had all my issues. Yet, just last week, I was talking to a buddy with a T275 whose hanger bolt fell out of his frame. Intense sent him a new one, but it had the wrong threads... What else is new? These guys are knuckleheads.